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A Celebration Given To A WWII Veteran For His Service

Bill Heck is a 96 year old WWII veteran who still remembers many things that he have experienced while joining the war. His most unforgettable memory includes his time as the pilot of the Grumman F6F Hellcat. His loved ones are making effort in order for him to feel that they remember and that he should not forget the memories as well.

At the start of February this year, a celebration was held for him that was organized by his family, friends as well as the staff of the LaPlaya Golf Club located in Naples. The celebration centered on his previous contributions and the achievements he have attained after joining the club as the beginner in the gold course.

A thank you gift was given to him and it was the photo canvas of the machine he has flown in the war – the Hellcat. The canvas is now displayed in the den of his home. Another thank you gift was a check for $4,600 which was given as donation to the nonprofit organization called The Collings Foundation. The foundation was established in 1979 and it aims to preserve as well as exhibit various historical artifacts including aircrafts.

Heck was very humbled with the gifts and he admitted that he don’t know why he was chosen. He does not consider himself a hero though he had always hoped to become one but was never presented the opportunity.

According to the leader of the event and also a club member, Glenn Stevens, Heck is valued by all the members in the club. Heck answered that he is quite embarrassed by the statement but happy at the same time.

Heck was never given the chance to fly and join a combat but he has a big role when it comes to protecting the nation. It was in 1943 that the U.S Navu awarded him with wings and was assigned to a training unit where he was involved with F6F Hellcat – a fighter plan that is carrier based and developed by the Americans. The photo canvas awarded to him was considered by Heck as the best canvas prints he has ever seen.